Are you looking for a fun way to bring more color and excitement to your watercolor paintings?
Today, I'm excited to share a simple but powerful technique: double loading. This method is easy, playful, and perfect if you want your artwork to feel more lively and dynamic.
Let's dive in together and explore everything you need to know about double-loading with watercolor!
Contents
What Is Double Loading Your Paintbrush in Watercolor?
Before we get into the how-to, let's first understand what double loading means in watercolor.
Double loading refers to the process of loading your paintbrush with two colors at the same time—one on each side of the brush.
This technique allows you to create striking two-tone effects, giving your paintings a dynamic look that's hard to achieve with a single color.
You might be familiar with Donna Dewberry's One Stroke technique in acrylic painting, where she taught how to load your brush in one go for a specific effect.
Well, you can do something similar with watercolor, and it's just as amazing.
Double-loading your brush with watercolor can yield rich, complex textures and gradients to make your artwork stand out.
How to Double Load Your Paintbrush?
Now that we know what double loading is, let's break down how to do it. It's pretty simple once you get the hang of it, and it only takes a few basic steps.
Choosing the Right Brushes and Tools
To start, you'll need the right tools. A quill brush works well for double loading because its shape allows the paint to sit on either side of the bristles.
I also use synthetic brushes and flat brushes for certain effects.
Make sure you have a pre-moistened palette of watercolors for easy blending. I dip my brush in water, lightly blot it on a paper towel, and then I'm ready.
Step-by-Step Process of Double Loading
Here's where the magic happens.
First, dip your brush into one color. For example, I'll start with a green.
Once your brush is loaded on one side, turn it over and dip it into a different color—say, a darker green. This is what gives you the two-tone effect.
With the brush loaded, make your marks on the paper. You'll see the two colors come together in a beautiful, natural blend.
The result is a striking contrast between the colors, which you can manipulate further based on your strokes.
You can create anything from subtle shading to bold color combinations with just a few brushstrokes.
Practical Applications of Double Loading
Double loading isn't just a fun technique; it's handy for creating specific elements in your artwork.
Whether you're working on flowers, leaves, or abstract effects, double loading can bring a whole new level of depth to your pieces.
Creating Multi-Toned Leaves and Flowers
One of the first things I like to try is creating leaves with double-loaded colors. Let's say I start by dipping my brush into two shades of green.
When I paint the leaves, the brush will leave streaks of both colors, giving the leaf an instant two-tone effect.
The beauty of double loading is that it allows you to add natural-looking shading to your leaves without mixing multiple shades manually.
You can also apply this to flowers.
For example, if you're painting a stem with leaves, double-loading the brush lets you add different tones to the leaves, which gives them more dimension. I often use this technique for quick, expressive flower shapes and abstract designs.
Experimenting with Different Color Combinations
The possibilities are endless when it comes to color combinations. You can get creative with the colors you choose.
For instance, I love mixing turquoise and ultramarine for a rich, contrasting effect.
Or, if I want to go for something more vibrant, I mix crimson and yellow.
The result is a beautiful blend of orange that naturally transitions from the two colors. These striking two-tone effects can be achieved effortlessly with double loading.
Working with Different Brush Types and Color Blending
The beauty of double-loading is that it can be done with various brush types and color combinations. The tools you use can drastically change the final effect.
Using Quill Brushes for Subtle Blending
For softer, smoother blends, I always turn to my quill brush. Its pointed tip allows for more delicate control over how the colors mix.
The result is a more subtle and blended effect, perfect for creating soft transitions between two colors.
I love using quill brushes for floral petals or leaves where I want to emphasize smooth gradients.
Experimenting with Flat Brushes for Clean Lines
On the other hand, flat brushes like synthetic filberts are great for clean, sharp lines.
When I want to create a bold effect, I use these brushes for double-loading. The flatter shape allows me to make striking color contrasts that stand out.
Whether making bold stripes or fine details, flat brushes give your double-loaded strokes a crisp, clean look.
Creating Gradient Blends and Textures
Double loading isn't just about creating simple two-tone marks—it opens up many possibilities for gradients and textured effects.
Blending Colors Directly on Paper
When you double-load your brush, you can blend colors directly on the paper instead of mixing them on the palette first.
For example, I like dipping my brush into yellow and blue.
When I stroke the paper, the yellow and blue blend naturally into green right before my eyes. It's a satisfying technique because it keeps the colors fresh and vibrant while creating beautiful transitions.
Playing with Texture and Movement
Another thing I love is how double-loading lets you play with texture and movement.
If you dip your brush into burnt umber and yellow ochre, you'll get a lovely earthy tone with a rich texture.
Moving the brush in circular or sweeping motions allows you to create natural-looking textures, perfect for backgrounds or adding energy to your artwork.
Deep Colors and Rich Effects
Double loading can also help you create deeper, richer colors.
For instance, when I load my brush with violet and deep blue, the result is a luxurious, moody blend perfect for night skies, deep waters, or dramatic backgrounds.
The two colors work together to create a depth that would be hard to achieve with just one flat color.
Reviewing the Results of Double Loading Techniques
After experimenting with double loading, I took a closer look at the final results:
- Yellow ochre and burnt umber: The blend was warm and textured.
- Purple and blue: Beautiful transitions—some areas kept the colors distinct, while others merged into new shades.
- Scumbling the brush: Created an interesting broken texture.
- Leaves and flowers: Duo tones added natural shading, even in quick sketches.
- Blue and yellow double-dip: Resulted in fresh, lively green.
- Flat brush: Gave clean, striped effects with visible color boundaries.
- Quill brush: Produced softer, more blended transitions with multi-directional strokes.
I could even glaze over the layers or try a second round of double dipping for deeper effects.
The possibilities felt endless, and this experiment proved how exciting and versatile double-loading can be.
I even considered trying triple loading, though that might risk muddier colors if not done carefully.
Wrapping Up
I hope you've enjoyed learning about double loading and are inspired to try it in your watercolor art!
This technique opens up possibilities, from vibrant gradients to beautiful textures and dynamic color blends. Why not give it a go in your next painting?
Experiment with different colors, brushes, and strokes to see what exciting effects you can create.